Huntress by Nicole Hamlett Read Free Book Online Page A

full?” she griped.
    I cocked an eyebrow at her that said, “Really?”
    “Good point.” She settled further down into my over-large, overstuffed reading chair, curling her feet beneath her in a comfortable position before she continued.
    “Like I said, there are different planes of existence. Thousands of years ago, instead of exploring space, my people decided to figure out how to explore those different planes. It seemed more adventurous somehow.”
    She continued on telling me of how in Alancea, people were long lived, very autocratic and filled with magic, unlike the people of my Earth. Because of their long lives, they created things that helped make those years more entertaining and bearable.  She gave me a mental picture of Alancea that was filled with wonders and miracles.
    Her father had helped pioneer this exploration program but they discovered that when they explored new worlds, while they could bring back different technology and vast amounts of new knowledge, the more they created Rifts, the more often their world would experience small natural disasters. 
    Not every world experienced this type of instability but theirs was unfortunately prone. After a particularly nasty incident in  which they lost over a million people because of an unstable Rift, they realized that some kind of Organization was needed in  order to prevent not only unauthorized travels to their world, but to also monitor travel between the other planes of existence.  They never realized that inter-dimensional travel would cause so much devastation.
    Diana and a group of others were called upon to be the Guardians of our plane. They were chosen carefully from their world - the Program leaders were looking for balance, strength, courage and wisdom. Beyond the powers that they already possessed, they gained immortality and the nearly impossible duty of guarding our world.
    Earth’s natural barriers were not as resistant and because of its vast land masses and variable climate, it was an attractive destination for Interdimensionals (a term used to describe beings from other dimensions). 
    My meal was long forgotten as I sat transfixed by the story that unfolded before me. I was so engrossed that the sudden vibrating and music coming from my pocked made me jump and yelp in surprise.
    I didn’t have to look at the number to know who it was. Only one person got this ringtone. Drawing defenses and a semblance of composure around myself, I answered without a hello.
    “What do you want?” I asked tersely.
    Oh God, the urge to hang up was so strong. I hated his stupid voice and face and everything that went with it.
    “My lawyer called letting me know that he’d received the finalized decree from your Lawyer. I just wanted to thank you for being expedient about this Grace. Really, this was Ace of you.”
    “Yes, as happy as I am to impress you with my maturity, could you get to the point? I have a guest.” I didn’t continue because he didn’t need to know the details.
    “You’re dating already? Wow that was fast.”
    I sighed. “No Brandon, I’m not dating. If I were, it’s not your business anyway. What do you want? I’m busy.”
    “Well,” he started sounding slightly nervous. “Clarissa and I were talking and we think that Dylan should stay with us for a while.  Since I have joint custody, I think that it’s important for me to be a ‘hands on’ Dad and she thinks that he could use some stability while you deal with being single.”
    Rage. It was the only word to describe the extreme emotions boiling within me. My bottle of orange juice began rattling on the table next to me and I glared at it, willing it to stop.
    Diana suddenly focused on me, her stare intent. She started to rise from her chair but I leveled a murderous glance at her and she sat back against the cushions, putting her hands up in a defensive pose.
    More things were vibrating around me and I could hear Brandon say, “Do you feel that? Oh my God, do